Breaking: Election Day is here! Make your selections for Congress and statehouses

Voters across the United States are casting their ballots on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, to determine who will control Congress for the final two years of President Donald Trump's second term. This midterm election puts every seat in the House of Representatives and 35 of 100 Senate seats on the ballot. The outcome will shape the legislative agenda and oversight powers during a period marked by economic concerns and shifting political alliances.

In the House of Representatives, all 435 seats are up for grabs. Republicans currently hold 218 seats, while Democrats hold 214, with one independent and several vacancies. Democrats need a net gain of three districts to secure a majority, whereas Republicans can afford to lose no more than two seats. Forty-six districts are considered battlegrounds, with 25 held by Democrats and 21 by Republicans. Notably, 21 districts held by Democrats voted for President Trump in 2024, and nine Republican-held districts voted for Vice President Kamala Harris, suggesting potential shifts in voter alignment.

The Senate race involves 33 regular elections and two special elections. Republicans hold 53 seats, Democrats 45, and two independents caucus with Democrats. Democrats require a net gain of four seats to take control of the chamber, while Republicans can lose only two. Eleven senators are not seeking reelection, including four Democrats and seven Republicans. Key races are unfolding in states such as Alaska, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas. These states will be crucial in determining the balance of power in the upper chamber.

Thirty-six governorships are also on the ballot. Republicans currently hold 26 governor's offices, and Democrats hold 24. Each party holds 18 of the offices up for election this year. Nineteen of these races do not feature an incumbent, with 15 governors term-limited and others choosing not to run. Democrats need a net gain of two governorships to achieve a nationwide majority, a feat they have not accomplished since 2010. Notable gubernatorial races include those in Georgia, Nevada, Ohio, and several other competitive states.

This election is being viewed as a referendum on President Trump's second term. Polls indicate that 35 percent of U.S. Adults approve of his job performance, while 25 percent approve of his handling of the economy. Approximately 70 percent of voters say the country is heading in the wrong direction. More than 57 million people had already voted as of Monday, surpassing early voting numbers from four years ago in many closely watched states. Republicans are bracing for a potential loss in the House while fighting to maintain their Senate majority, while Democrats remain cautiously optimistic.

President Trump held dozens of rallies in the lead-up to the election, concluding with a stop in Salina, Kansas, where he urged supporters to pretend he was on the ballot. His campaign included stops in Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas. Many Republican candidates have kept some distance from the president during this cycle. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has continued to make claims about voting fraud, including allegations that noncitizens vote in large numbers. The administration has filed lawsuits in Alaska and California, and Democrats have expressed concern about potential interference and intimidation of local election officials.

The 2026 elections are likely to be the most expensive in history. Republican committees have outraised and outspent Democratic committees, aided by Trump-affiliated groups and Elon Musk. However, at the candidate level, Democrats have outraised their opponents. 88.1 percent of Republican general election TV ad spending went to states and districts that President Trump won in 2024, including more than $850 million in areas where he won by 10 points or more.

Joe Gruters, the RNC Chairman, stated that everything depends on turnout, asserting that if they turn out their voters, they win. Suzan DelBene, the DCCC Chair, noted that the American people are angry and want change. Voter sentiment is mixed, with some supporting the president's performance and others citing high prices and taxes as primary concerns. Mark Barker of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, said he has been following Trump and thinks he is doing an awesome job. James Moore, a librarian in Raleigh, North Carolina, noted that he is paying more for taxes, healthcare, and everything else.

If Democrats win even one chamber, investigations and possible impeachment proceedings become likely. House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries would become the first Black speaker and has outlined a 100-day agenda focusing on the cost of living and oversight. A strong Democratic performance could boost potential 2028 candidates such as Gavin Newsom, JB Pritzker, and Pete Buttigieg, while potentially complicating Vice President JD Vance's path. Republicans attempted to beat the typical midterm pattern of losing seats through redistricting, but new districts in Florida and other states may not vote as drawn.

A federal judge temporarily barred the Trump administration from carrying out a plan to prevent noncitizen voting, a move critics say risks disenfranchising eligible voters and infringes on states' authority over elections. Another judge ordered the administration to stop demanding that California election officials segregate ballots cast by people on lists of suspected noncitizens. The U.S. Postal Service has added hours, staff, and special lines to ensure mail ballots are counted on time. Wall Street is watching the results closely, as they could add to investor concerns about AI spending and debt ceiling negotiations.

To vote today, citizens can find their polling place at vote.gov or their state election office. Anyone in line when polls close is entitled to vote. ID rules vary by state, so voters should check their state's rules before heading to the polls. Poll hours vary by state, with most opening between 6 a.m. And 8 a.m. And closing between 7 p.m. And 9 p.m. Local time. For example, in California, polls are open from 7 a.m. To 8 p.m., while in New York, they are open from 6 a.m. To 9 p.m. Voters are encouraged to arrive early or stay in line to ensure their votes are counted.

The atmosphere in polling places across the country reflects the high stakes of this election. Voters are making their selections with an eye on the future of their communities and the nation. The results will provide a clear picture of the public's sentiment regarding the current administration and the direction of the country. As polls remain open, the focus is on voter turnout and the final counts that will determine the balance of power in Washington and statehouses nationwide.

This election marks a significant moment in American political history, with the potential to reshape the legislative landscape for the next two years. Both parties are fighting hard for every seat, and the outcome will have far-reaching implications for policy and governance. As voters cast their ballots, the nation watches closely to see who will emerge with the mandate to lead in the final stretch of this political cycle.

The day's events will unfold as polls close and early results begin to come in. While no final results are expected until later in the day, the initial tallies will provide insights into the direction of the election. Voters are encouraged to stay informed and engaged throughout the day, as the outcome of this midterm election will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the United States.